THE EMERGENCE OF ANCIENT ARABIC DICTIONARIES

Abstract

This study discusses the origin and development of dictionaries in the ancient Arabic intellectual tradition. In Arab civilization, the need for language documentation emerged since the pre-Islamic period, especially in an effort to preserve classical Arabic poetry and language. This study traces the process of language codification carried out by early Muslim philologists, such as Al-Khalil bin Ahmad Al-Farahidi, who compiled the first dictionary entitled Kitab Al-'Ain. This study uses a historical and descriptive-analytical approach by examining manuscripts and primary sources related to the development of Arabic lexicography. The results of the study indicate that the compilation of dictionaries in ancient Arab society was not only aimed at linguistic documentation, but also had a role in strengthening cultural identity and maintaining the purity of the Arabic language. In addition, this study highlights the unique dictionary compilation methods at that time, such as the use of root words and phonetic patterns. This study is expected to contribute to understanding the history of Arabic lexicography and its relevance in the development of modern linguistics.